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The kid wrote something stupid and used drugs. He was 20 years old. If everyone in the world, like a President, sportswriter, you or me were thrown in jail and never given a second chance in life again the jails would be jam backed and very few would be working. Give this kid a break. This kid has talent. Let him use it.

People like to forget what they have done in their own pasts. It makes it easier to critique others. I have a few family members that were offered up the choice of jail...or military service, back in the day, for minor infractions as teens. Now? We crucify a kid for insensitive comments.

The kid has been around a few weeks, can we get a photo that is less "Hannibal Lecter" like?

Yeah, too often these comment sections are full of folks who have never made a mistake in their lives or said anything stupid. Same folks who get crazy stupid mad at other people who make driving mistakes because they, of course never made a mistake while driving themselves.

Yes...a few of my friends/more "experienced" family members were offered those "options". Not much of an option!

Now? It's much harder to get into the military. Less waivers are issued, you have to be pretty bright, too. Smaller force = more brain power per member. Modern recruiting is quite different than in the past.

I don't know if this kid can cut it but I root for young people to be successful. As a mentor of mine used to drill into my head, "the power of positive thinking" can get you far in life.

We see the effect of role models/mentors play out every day, whether it's in our own families, or with friends and acquaintances. I spoke to a friend yesterday that is supporting a family member that is a lost cause, in ways (40s, still ain't doing well on their own). But yet, this person STILL tries to help this guy.

As you have commented before, I'm sure you have stepped up to the plate to help your family/friends. Leading by example...it's not easy.

I hope this kid finds his mentor, whether w the Pack or somewhere else.

Nice, even-handed article by Tyler. At this point, yeah, it would be great if he gets excellent support and attention from team-mates and the community. But the fact is he must want it for himself. Things were tough for him, but they are tough (and tougher) for many.

It is up to Colt to live his live responsibly, no matter what obstacles come up. It won't all be easy and/or positive; that's when the real test will come.

I agree 100% with you. I think the team can only do so much because his life goes 24/7 and he won't always be in Green Bay or around other players and coaches. I mean how much does the people at your job or my job impact the quality of my personal life?

It'll be interesting to see where he chooses to live in the offseason. I hope it's in Chicago near his agent who seems to be that "rock" in his life at this point. The real test will be can he spend any time in Oregon in the future without any setbacks.

UofO is Nike U, right down to Phil Knight getting full access and even getting to call the occasional play. From the weekly media buildup around what flashy jersey they're going to come out in that week, to facilities that are superior to most NFL HQs, to the style of play, UofO is flash. And Eugene isn't exactly a drug free zone. And despite having some teammates like Kyle Long and Huff is his corner, there is also a lot about that environment that probably isn't the best environment for a kid like that.

Green Bay and the Packers are pretty much the antithesis of that (there's a certain irony in the fact that the college team is the one with the billionaire with the swoosh and the pro team is owned by the community). I agree a team can only do so much. But there are some stark contrasts between the two environments, and I could see where the change in scenery - for a kid trying to learn how to navigate a world for which his upbringing didn't do much to prepare him - could turn what might have been a negative into a definite positive. Hopefully he can fit in, get a few veteran/coach mentors, and at least until he feels at home plays well enough to make the team but can still fly under the radar for a while. Just like with Jolly, if forced to choose being a standout player or a well adjusted person, I'd hope for the former.

I remember another poster saying that a beautiful piece like this could never be written because no one who knew him would speak on the record... SMH

Anyway, I think this issue was discussed at exhaustion after his signing and may change people's attitudes little either way. I'm a firm believer that you just don't give up on young people because every life has value whether we're at our best or at our worse. At the same time, I think there is a middle ground between hating him and loving him. The best way to proceed with him is to trust but verify.

The best line in this piece is that if he makes the team, he may be perfectly fine during his rookie contract, but go haywire after he gets paid like Larry Sanders. My concern isn't that he'll harm others, my concern is that he's self-destructive and will harm himself. Chris Farley was a troubled kid who never harmed anyone. Chris Farley is no longer with us.

If there is a chance a player with a history of problems can find a happy niche in life, then Green Bay Wisconsin is that place. It is solely up to him to take this opportunity to change that direction and move in a positive direction. So I think Colt has landed in the right place and will be with the right people to make this happen, if he so chooses. The Packers are a unique franchise that has survived going against the big fish in the ocean. Their history of surviving in a very tough environment as a small town franchise has stood the test of time. Ted Thompson has a knack for reading deeper into a player’s potential and character than most. I believe we all at some point in our lives wish we could take an eraser to a few chapters of our lives. I am proud as a Packer fan that our team gives second chances. We all needs a second chance in life to show there is a better side within us than a few bad decisions add up to. I wish Colt all the best and look forward to watching him challenge for a roster spot on one of the best teams in the NFL.

It's odd....for most athletes the challenge is to make the team but their physical talent betrays them at the NFL level.

This kid has a different problem. His challenge is to put the mental pieces of his life together.

I meet people all the time that don't have a rock, in their 30s-50s. People older than this kid that just can't ask for help/don't know how to. They were never prepared to lean on someone for strength, on occasion, or choose a "rock" to speak with when times are hard.

He made some poor choices, and youthful mistakes, as we all have. It's not like he beat up his fiancé and dragged her around a casino on film (looks like Ray Rice won't even be suspended for that). Let's wipe the slate clean and keep him on a short leash surely he knows he will be scrutinized closely.

He did make dumb mistakes, but it appears that he has deep seated issues... anger issues. This isn't according to me, this is according to those around him. He has to overcome his demos before he succeeds.

Anger issues? According to whom? I've never heard that coming from anyone around him. Did I miss the report where he kicked a puppy or punched a blind homeless vet? It must be that subtle, unspoken undercurrent most people miss (much like how I'm sure the reason women don't approach me is because they're intimidated by my stunning good looks). One uncorroborated claim in a small local paper (I live there...the NY Times, it ain't) and he has anger issues? The kid has some growing up to do, but not really sure how you come to that conclusion.